TORTURE VAN

September 29, 1997, 10:15 P.M.: Michelle Michaud was at the wheel of the dark green minivan. James Daveggio waited in the back, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice, while looking for a new victim.

Spotting pretty twenty-year-old Juanita Rodriguez walking home from a night class, Michaud halted the van beside the startled young woman. Jumping out in a heartbeat, Daveggio grabbed Rodriguez. She screamed hysterically, “What have I done? What have I done?” before she was dragged into the van.

As the van pulled away from the curb, Daveggio growled at Rodriguez, “Shut up, or I’ll kill you.” After ordering her to strip, he forced her to orally copulate him. When Michaud turned her head to see what was happening, Daveggio yelled, “Keep your eyes on the damn road!” His own clothing off, Daveggio brutally raped and tortured Rodriguez for hours.

The van finally stopped on a dark, deserted road deep in the woods. As Rodriguez hastily dressed, Michaud said, “If you turn around for one second, he’ll shoot you.” Then she opened the door and shoved Rodriguez out. “Next time you won’t be so lucky.”